What rights do you have as an airline passenger?
As of February 2005, a new European Regulation came into force that protects your
rights as an airline passenger. This is EC Regulation 261/2004.
This regulation protects passengers in events of denied boarding, flight cancellation
and if the flight is delayed. In these cases the regulation specifies the amount
of compensation that should be received by the passenger.
EC Regulation 261/2004 applies to all passengers and all flights departing from
an airport located in the territory of a European Member State, regardless of the
nationality of the airline, and to passengers departing from an airport located
in a third country to an airport situated in the territory of a European Member
State in cases where the airline is registered in a European country.
EU Complaint Form for air passengers
If you were the victim of a rerouting, cancellation, delay or denied boarding then
you should make your complaint known to the airline. You can use an electronic form
that can be found on this website. This form is a digital version of the official
EU Report Form for air passengers. This digital form guides you through the process
of filling it out. Before commencing this process make sure you have your reservation
and/or flight tickets available. After filling out the form you will receive a free
advice on the validity of your claim. After this advice you will have the choice
of continuing with your claim.
Think twice before accepting VOUCHERS
Airlines often offer vouchers instead of financial compensation. Think twice
before accepting vouchers! These usually have a limited validity and are difficult
to exchange for the benefits intended. For example, vouchers usually cannot be used
when booking a ticket through the internet. Cash or check is always recommended
over vouchers. Therefore always ask for any financial compensation to be paid through
cash, electronic bank transfer, bank orders or bank checks.